Amona 2022

Amona is a Rioja red from Bodegas Rosario Vera, made from Tempranillo using carbonic maceration. Rioja sits in a sheltered northern Spanish basin where mountains moderate the climate and clay-limestone soils give Tempranillo its balance of fruit and freshness. The winemaking is what shapes this wine. In carbonic maceration, whole uncrushed bunches ferment in a carbon dioxide rich environment, so fermentation begins inside each intact berry before the grapes are pressed. That intracellular process extracts colour and fruit while leaving most of the tannin behind, producing a bright, low-tannin red with a distinctive floral, almost candied aromatic lift. The result pours a vivid, youthful purple-red. The nose is perfumed and lively, with crunchy red cherry, raspberry and plum, a floral rose note and a peppery, liquorice edge. The palate is light and juicy, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a bright, fruit-led finish that asks to be drunk young. Serve it slightly cool at 13 to 15 degrees, which suits its fresh, low-tannin style, and there is no need to decant. It is flexible at the table and good with charcuterie, lighter meats and tomato-based dishes.